Brian Sandoval in 2017 Governor's State of the State speeches

On Crime:
Reform juvenile justice system to reduce recidivism

A group of legislators, judges and policy makers studied our juvenile justice system and concluded it is in need of reform. They found that state and county agencies spent $95 million on the supervision of justice-involved youth, yet across our state
there is no standardized method to track outcomes, or ensure that evidence-based practices are being utilized.

We know that some youth have multiple encounters with the courts, often leading to long-term supervision & incarceration. We can do better.
That's why I'm introducing the Juvenile Justice System Reform Act, which streamlines and standardizes criteria to match youth with the most effective services.

To that end, my budget includes $1.5 million to implement a statewide risk assessment program. These changes should result in reduced recidivism rates and improved outcomes for youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On Drugs:
Rid the state of the scourge of opioid abuse

Tragically, we lose one Nevadan every day to opioid overdose--a mother, father, son, daughter, grandparent or close friend. This has been a growing problem for over a decade, and has now reached levels of epidemic proportion.

One of the major
achievements of the last legislative session was the passage of the Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention Act. This legislation increased enrollment in the prescription drug monitoring program from 16% to 81%, and has expanded access to lifesaving
overdose-reversal medication.

I convened a statewide prescription drug summit with participation from 500 stakeholders, that included legislators, health care professionals, law enforcement, judges, and victims. Based on their recommendations,
I will introduce the Controlled Substance Abuse Prevention Act, which provides more training and reporting and heightened protocols for medical professionals. I look forward to ridding the state of the scourge of opioid abuse.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On Drugs:
I opposed legalization, but let's make pot market work well

Last November, voters approved Question 2, which legalized recreational use of marijuana. While I did not support it, I respect the will of the voters who did.

My budget includes one new source of revenue, a 10% excise tax on all retail sales of
recreational marijuana. The proceeds of this tax will be invested exclusively in education. This new tax is in addition to the existing 15% excise tax on wholesale marijuana transactions.

I will also create by executive order the task force on the
implementation of Question 2. It will include stakeholders committed to fulfilling the requirements of Question 2, without compromising Nevada's commitment to public safety. Additionally, I will ask regulators to limit the sale of marijuana products
and packaging that appeal to children or may be mistaken for candy. Let's work together to make sure Nevada's market for legal marijuana is restricted, responsible, and respected.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On Education:
$115 million in new investments for higher education

By 2025, roughly 60% of all jobs in Nevada will require some form of post-secondary degree or other credential. Today, only 30% of Nevadans between the ages of 25 and 34 have completed some level of post-secondary education.

My vision for our state is
to put all Nevadans, regardless of age or circumstance, on a career pathway toward success. We can make that vision a reality by investing in higher education, closing the college attainment gap, expanding dual enrollment & growing career opportunities.

While many of these programs have been available for some, they are not yet accessible to all, due to financial barriers or other factors. My workforce agenda proposes removing those barriers, so that every student, in every classroom,
has every opportunity to succeed. Our effort to prepare a modern workforce begins with our post-secondary institutions. My budget includes an increase of $115 million in new investments for higher education.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On Technology:
$3.5M for cyberdefense against unprecedented threats

We have taken an international leadership role in the development of unmanned aerial systems, autonomous vehicles, and water technology through our economic development efforts. As our economy continues to grow and transform in new and unprecedented
ways, it is imperative that we guard against new and unprecedented threats.

In our country, there are now five battlefields in our never-ending fight for safety and security--land, sea, air, space and cyberspace.
I have allocated $3.5 million for the creation of Nevada's first cyberdefense center.
The cyberdefense center will help Nevada detect, prevent, and respond to cyber-attacks and stand ready to partner with local governments and the private sector to minimize cyber risks.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On War & Peace:
Inspired by Nevadans serving in 5 middle eastern countries

Last month, I visited our Nevada troops serving on the frontlines in Kuwait, Afghanistan, and the United Arab Emirates. Tonight, in honor of the heroes who have answered the call to duty,
I'm proud to present you with this gift from the 485th military police company stationed in Kuwait. "the law dawgs."
During Operation Spartan Shield, Nevada guardsmen and women flew our flag over five middle eastern countries in honor of all Nevadans. I offer it to your House as a steady reminder of the more than
600 members of the guard currently serving in harm's way. It's my hope that it inspires this Legislature with the same pride and optimism I found in the hearts and minds of our warriors abroad.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017

On Welfare & Poverty:
$1.5M more for Meals-on-Wheels for seniors

I want to say a few words about what we're doing to aid our most valuable, and sometimes most vulnerable, citizens. My budget includes $11.5 million in new funding to expand the home and community based/frail elderly waiver, which helps seniors stay in
their homes with quality care.

Also in my budget is $1.5 million in new funding for the successful Meals on Wheels program. Helping our senior citizens lead independent, meaningful and dignified lives needs to be a priority for all of us.

Source: 2017 State of the State address to Nevada Legislature
Jan 17, 2017